Bellville, Belle of the Bluebonnet Country, is the County Seat of
Austin County, Texas. It's close in proximity to Houston and
Bryan/College Station, but noted for typifying the small town
country life.
Founded in 1848 and incorporated in 1927, Bellville enjoys a
population of approximately 3,800 residents. This desirable
location is about 60 miles west of Houston, 13 miles north of
Interstate Highway 10 & 18 miles south of Texas Highway 290.
At an elevation of 275 feet above sea level, Bellville stands in
timeless harmony with its green rolling hills and spectacular
wildflower displays from early spring through late summer.
Initially settled by Thomas and James Bell, who immigrated from
Florida in 1822 as some of Stephen F. Austin's earliest settlers.
They donated over 145 acres to Austin County and Bellville was
named for them. Churches, a log cabin, and a wooden courthouse
were the first public structures in Bellville. Most of the
residents were farmers, and the town grew slowly until the coming
of the Santa Fe Railroad in 1880, when the population rose
from 300 people to 1,000 residents within three years.
Bellville's population of just under 4,000 is served by an
aldermanic form of government and city owned and operated
utilities.
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LCRA electrical power
is supplied to residents of Bellville through the
City of Bellville
and residents of Austin County through
San Bernard Electric
Cooperative, who also has an office located in Bellville.
Texas Southeastern Gas Company furnishes natural gas to Bellville.
High speed internet and cable television service are available to
residents.
Many state and county offices are conveniently located in the
Austin County Courthouse. Newly remodeled
Bellville General
Hospital is a licensed, and fully accredited, 32 bed
acute care facility. The Hospital is located just 4 blocks
from the Courthouse Square. The city also has a local school
district, Public Library, The Bellville Times- a
weekly newspaper, four financial institutions, and a variety of
small businesses, manufacturers and other industry. Some
added resources of Bellville are available housing, and
convenient sites for clean industrial and retail development.
Bellville has a Economic Development Corporation funded by 4B
Sales Tax.
Bellville is a charming, clean, well planned community, featuring
a colorful mixture of various cultures. With smog-free air, a
pastoral atmosphere, and high accessibility to major highways,
Bellville offers many desirable features to the visitor, the
resident, and various business interests. |